EXPLORING FLAVOR THROUGH THE YEARS

From global inspirations to emerging ingredients, each forecast has captured the pulse of what’s next in taste. Journey through the flavors that have shaped kitchens, menus, and palates around the world.

Chipotle

*+2,997% Global Food & Drink Launches

Smoky, earthy, and slightly sweet with a slow-building heat. Chipotle brings depth and complexity to sauces, rubs, and marinades, adding that signature smoldering warmth to everything from grilled meats to creamy dips.

Pumpkin Spice

*88% of consumers express a strong preference for pumpkin spice

A nostalgic blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and clove that evokes warmth and comfort. Pumpkin Spice balances sweet and aromatic notes, transforming seasonal beverages, baked goods, and even savory dishes into cozy fall favorites.

Korean BBQ

*+3866% Global Food & Drink Launches

A bold fusion of sweet, savory, and umami with notes of soy, garlic, sesame, and pear. Korean BBQ captures the perfect harmony between caramelized sweetness and gentle spice for globally inspired marinades and glazes.

Ube

*In the past year alone, ube has shown a 76.5% growth

Naturally sweet and nutty with hints of vanilla and coconut. This vibrant purple yam lends a velvety texture and eye-catching hue to desserts, beverages, and baked creations, making it both indulgent and Instagram-worthy.

Chamoy

*A projected growth of 120% over the next four years

A playful balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy. Chamoy brings a tangy punch with notes of apricot and chili, perfect for drizzling over fruit, cocktails, or street-style snacks for a true taste of Mexican vibrancy.

Matcha

*Menu penetration has grown +46% in the past 4 years

Smooth, grassy, and gently bitter with subtle sweetness. Matcha delivers both flavor and function, infusing beverages, desserts, and even savory dishes with earthy depth and an energizing, antioxidant-rich lift.

Chili Crisp

*Predicted menu penetration, 4 years: +242%, past 4 years: +924%

Crunchy, umami-rich, and irresistibly spicy. Chili Crisp layers toasted aromatics, chili flakes, and garlic for a texture-driven heat that enhances noodles, eggs, vegetables, and anything craving a fiery crunch.

Chai

*Menu items and LTOs grew from 6 in 2014 to 37 in 2024, representing a +516% increase over the 10-year period.

Warm, aromatic spices like cardamom, cinnamon, clove, and black pepper come together in this cozy blend. Chai adds complexity and comfort to teas, lattes, baked goods, and sauces alike.

Harissa

*Approximately 26% of consumers expressed interest in trying harissa

A North African blend of chili peppers, garlic, and warm spices that delivers deep heat balanced by smoky and citrusy notes. Harissa transforms marinades, stews, and spreads with bold, layered intensity.

Tamarind

*Has entered the "adoption" stage in cocktails, with 24% awareness and 43% interest reported in 2024

Tangy, fruity, and slightly sweet with a lip-smacking tartness. Tamarind adds brightness and balance to sauces, dressings, and glazes, making it a global favorite from Latin America to Southeast Asia.

The Journey of Flavor Never Ends

As tastes evolve and new influences emerge, one thing remains constant — our passion for discovering what’s next. The exploration continues, one bold flavor at a time.

*Sources:

Chipotle: Innova Market Research, Global, all food & drink launch types, 2003-2024
Pumpkin Spice: Report Pro by Datassential | Table Stakes Tracker: August 2025
Korean BBQ: Innova Market Research, Global, all food & drink launch types, 2012-2024
Ube: Report Pro by Datassential | Trend Bites (Elevate Jul 2025)
Chamoy: Report Pro by Datassential | Midyear Trends 2024
Matcha: Datassential, MenuTrends, 2025
Chili Crisp: Menu Trends by Datassential | Build Your Own
Chai: Datassential, Launches & Ratings, 2024
Harissa: Report Pro by Datassential
Tamarind: Report Pro by Datassential | 2024 Trends Report